Happening Now in Nairobi

Nairobi’s October calendar is packed with sport, music, innovation, film and unforgettable experiences. Here are the events worth putting on your radar.

1. Safari 7s Returns to Nairobi for Its 28th Edition

One of Kenya’s biggest rugby weekends is back.

The 2026 Safari 7s returns to Nairobi from October 9–11, bringing three days of fast-paced rugby and competition.

Organised by the Kenya Rugby Union, this year marks the 28th edition of Safari 7s, one of Africa’s best-known rugby sevens events.

2. Koffi Olomide Headlines Fred Machoka’s 50-Year Celebration

Nairobi is preparing for a celebration that brings together music, memory and broadcasting history.

Congolese rumba star Koffi Olomide is set to perform at Fred Machoka @ 50 on October 10, 2026, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

3. Big Voices Fest Brings Otile Brown, Sanaipei Tande and More Together for “Mahaba”

Love, music and some of Kenya’s most recognisable voices come together this October as Big Voices Fest returns for its third season.

The Mahaba Edition happens on October 10, 2026, with Otile Brown, Sanaipei Tande, Kidum, Gasheni and DJ Lisney.

4. Africa Blockchain Festival 2026 Brings Builders, Investors and Policymakers to Nairobi

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Happening Now in Nairobi

Nairobi’s position as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs will be in focus when the Africa Blockchain Festival 2026 comes to the city from October 15–17.

5. Asili Experience Returns With Young Stunna, Kelvin Momo and Sykes

Asili Experience Vol. II: The Awakening takes place on October 17, 2026, at Ngong Racecourse, with South African stars Young Stunna, Kelvin Momo and Sykes.

6. Ne-Yo Is Coming to Nairobi for a Mashujaa Day Brunch Concert

Grammy-winning artist Ne-Yo is set to perform in Nairobi on October 20, 2026, as part of One Night Only: Brunch Edition, with Sol & The Gang.

7. Nairobi Gets Ready to Run as the Standard Chartered Marathon Returns

Thousands of runners will take to the streets as the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon returns on October 25, 2026, starting from Uhuru Gardens.

8. Nairobi Film Festival Wants African Cinema to Live With African Audiences

The 2026 Nairobi Film Festival runs from October 15–25, bringing filmmakers, audiences and the wider creative community together around cinema in Nairobi.